Apparatus for ergonomic application of rotational handle garden tool

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for an improved hand tool device wherein a rotatable apparatus may rotate the rotating handle apparatus in 15 degree increments to adjust to the user to help reduce the risk of injury and increase power application while gardening by adjusting and creating a favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool device into the ground.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/229,795, titled “Apparatus for ergonomic application of rotationalhandle garden tool,” filed on Aug. 5, 2016, which was, in turn, acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/804,285,titled “Ergonomic Rotational Handle For A Garden Tool,” filed on Jul.20, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority, under 37 USC 119(e), tothe filing date of US provisional patent application No. 62/183,251,titled “Swivel Shovel,” filed on Jun. 23, 2015, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to utility hand tools. Morespecifically, the invention relates to hand tools used for gardening.This improved hand tool device includes a rotational handle that mayrotate in 15 degree increments to help reduce the risk of injury andincrease power application when gardening by creating a favorable anglebetween the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool device intothe ground.

BACKGROUND

Gardening requires the use of a variety of tools including hand tools orpower tools. A hand tool is any one of many tools made for gardens andgardening and overlaps with the range of tools made for agriculture andhorticulture. A hand tool is typically ideal when a power tool mightotherwise be impractical or burdensome to use. A hand tool is alsogenerally preferred over larger gardening tools because a hand toolrequires the use of only one hand, takes up minimum space, and is easilystored.

The hand tools still used by gardeners originated with the earliestagricultural implements used by man, for example, the hoe, pitchfork,fork, rake, hand cultivator, spade, shovel and hand trowel. The earliesttools were made of wood, flint, metal, tin, and bone. However, thedevelopment of metal working, first in copper and later in iron andsteel, enabled the manufacture of more durable tools.

Unfortunately, repetitive strain injuries (RSI) can result from the useof hand tools while gardening due to repetitive tasks, forcefulexertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, or sustained positions.RSI is an injury to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that mayaffect any part of the body and at times at multiple locations, such as,but not limited to, the neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, and fingers.Repetitive stress injuries can develop over time and can lead tolong-term disability.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH), excessive force imposed on muscles may increase the potentialfor musculoskeletal injury and disorder. Furthermore, NIOSH cites anumber of studies what indicate that even less than excessive force maypredispose a person to musculoskeletal injuries and disorders,especially during repetitive activities or static activities performedwith an awkward posture.

Fortunately, several methods of reducing repetitive strain injurieswhile gardening have been developed. Some of the most common techniquesinclude keeping elbows partially bent, especially when doing resistiveactivities requiring elbow strength; avoiding twisting the forearms backand forth repeatedly; keeping wrists in a neutral position; holdingobjects with a light grasp for a short period of time; and squattingwith heels on the ground. While all of these actions can help minimizethe occurrence of repetitive stress injuries, proper hand tools with acomfort and functional design are also necessary for preventingrepetitive strain injuries. In fact, proper ergonomic design isnecessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries and othermusculoskeletal disorders, which can develop over time and can lead tolong-term disability.

Ergonomics is the practice of designing products, systems or processesto take property account of the interaction between them and the peoplewho use them. Ergonomics is concerned with the “fit” between the user,equipment, and their environments. The goal of ergonomics is to design atool so it creates less stress on the body. Ergonomic designs ofequipment, systems, and working methods improve the comfort, health,safety, and productivity of the users.

Conventional hand tools are generally one size fits all. This approachmay be sufficient for most people who use hand tools occasionally. Theinexact fit of the hand tools with the shape and flexibility of thehuman hand causes limited problems.

Some portion of the population use hand tools daily as part of theirhobby or in their chosen line of work, and for these people, the lack ofexact fit to the human hand is causing serious physical injury.Therefore, manufacturers have taken the science of ergonomics andapplied it to garden tools for those gardeners who are constantly usingstill want to be active outdoors even though they might have morephysical limitations. Ergonomic hand tools are designed to keep the bodyin neutral positions while working, lessening the amount of stress onjoints and muscles. Incorporating ergonomic design into hand tools usedfor gardening allows gardeners to work while exerting less energy, sothey can still enjoy all the pleasures and productivity of gardening.

In gardening, ergonomic design not only reduces the risk of injury, butcan also assist with power application. Ergonomic design of hand toolsallows a user to set the angle that best suits them and the job they aredoing. For example, the handle of a hand tool must be held at thesmallest possible angle in relation to the ground, in order to propelmotions, such as digging or lifting, forward as effectively as possible.If the angle between the handle and the ground becomes too large, thebase of the hand tool will make less contact with the ground and willhave a detrimental effect on the desired operation. In essence,effectively adjusting the angle between the handle and the ground allowsa hand tool to exert pressure on a wider area, making the desiredoperations more efficient and easier to perform.

Currently, many hand tools are ergonomically designed with cushionedhandles. Although at first the difference between cushioned andnon-cushioned handles is subtle, over time the reduced strain on handand arm muscles is noticeable. However, a cushioned handle, by itself,may not be sufficient in protecting a user and satisfying all of theergonomic requirements of a user. Moreover, the simple cushioning to thehandles does not assist with or improve on the power application of thehand tools.

Thus, there is a need for a hand tool that will allow a user to lift aperform operations with as much power as possible while minimizing riskof injury. Thus, there remains a need for a hand tool that will offer amore ergonomic design to improve the comfort, health, safety, andproductive of the user.

Furthermore, not only one shovel in a gardening tool set needs a swivelhandle, other shovels in the set and other hand tools also do. It isdesirable that the swivel handle can be easily removable andinterchangeable to maximize its utility.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is therefore an objective of the invention to provide anovel method and apparatus compatible with a variety of garden and handtools including, but not limited to, a hoe, a rake, a shovel, a fork, anaerator, a weeder, and a knife.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus to be used for a variety of applications including, butnot limited to, digging and lifting.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus to be adaptable and used by a user's left hand, righthand, or both.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a novel method andapparatus to be adaptable and used by multiple users through therotational adjustment of the hand tool to accommodate different users.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus to allow a user's hand to rotate in 15 degree incrementswhile using the apparatus.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus to allow the user's hand to return to the same axial planeas the garden tool as the user lifts the garden tool away from theground.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus to provide a locking mechanism for positioning the handlewith respect to the axial plane of the garden tool.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus to create a hand tool with a more ergonomic design.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus to adjust the angle of the hand tool in order to providefor a better working posture of the user.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus of a hand tool that improve the comfort of user using thehand tool.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus of a hand tool that reduces the risk of injury to theuser.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus of a hand tool that enhance power application of a desiredoperation through increase torque and force that can be exerted by theuser.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus of a hand tool that increases the productivity of the userthrough increased power application of the hand tool without increasedeffort by the user.

It is also an objective of this invention to provide a hand tool'shandle that is interchangeable among different hand tools of a hand toolset.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a garden tool apparatus comprising: aconnector having a first end and a second end; a gardening utilityapparatus connected to the first end; a rotating handle apparatusconnected to the second end; the gardening utility apparatus.

In one aspect of the invention, the rotating hand apparatus is comprisedof: a hand gripping apparatus suitable for human hand gripping and ahallow portion; a connector housing wherein the connector housing isattached to the second end of the rod; the connector housing isthereafter connected to the hallow portion. In another embodiment, theconnector housing is connected to the second end wherein the connectoris unable to rotate against the connector.

In another embodiment, the connector housing is freely rotationalagainst the hallow portion. In another embodiment, a washer is insertedbetween the connector housing and the hallow portion.

In another embodiment, a ball bearing apparatus inserted between theconnector housing and the hallow portion. In another embodiment, thewasher is selected from a group consisting of steel washer, metalwasher, rubber washer, plastic washer, silicon washer.

In another embodiment, the connector housing is comprised of anapertures wherein a securing device can be insert through the apertureto secure the connector to the connector housing.

In another embodiment, the connector housing is further comprised of animpediment device wherein the impediment device temporarily impedesrotation of the connector housing against the hallow portion. In anotherembodiment, the impediment device is comprised of a spring apparatus anda pin apparatus wherein the spring apparatus is positioned between theconnector housing and the pin apparatus is positioned between the springapparatus and a concave portion on the hallow portion. In anotherembodiment, the impediment device is disabled by applying rotation forceonto the hand gripping apparatus.

In another embodiment, the gardening utility apparatus is selected froma group consisting of a shovel, a rake; a spade; a fork; an aerator; aweeder or a knife; a hoe.

In another aspect of the invention, A method to perform gardening taskcomprising: utilizing a garden tool apparatus wherein the garden toolapparatus is comprised of a connector having a first end and a secondend; a gardening utility apparatus connected to the first end; arotating handle apparatus to the second end. In one embodiment, therotating hand apparatus is comprised of: a hand gripping apparatussuitable for human hand gripping and a hallow portion; a connectorhousing wherein the connector housing is attached to the second end ofthe rod; the connector housing is thereafter connected to the hallowportion.

In one embodiment, connector housing is connected to the second endwherein the connector is unable to rotate against the connector. Inanother embodiment, the connector housing is freely rotational againstthe hallow portion. In one embodiment, the washer is inserted betweenthe connector housing and the hallow portion. In one embodiment, a ballbearing apparatus inserted between the connector housing and the hallowportion. In one embodiment, the washer is selected from a groupconsisting of steel washer, metal washer, rubber washer, plastic washer,silicon washer.

In one embodiment, the connector housing is comprised of an apertureswherein a securing device can be insert through the aperture to securethe connector to the connector housing.

In one embodiment, the connector housing is further comprised of animpediment device wherein the impediment device temporarily impedesrotation of the connector housing against the hallow portion. In oneembodiment, the impediment device is comprised of a spring apparatus anda pin apparatus wherein the spring apparatus is positioned between theconnector housing and the pin apparatus is positioned between the springapparatus and a concave portion on the hallow portion. In oneembodiment, the impediment device is disabled by applying rotation forceonto the hand gripping apparatus.

In one embodiment, the gardening utility apparatus is selected from agroup consisting of a shovel, a rake; a spade; a fork; an aerator; aweeder or a knife; a hoe.

Other features and advantages inherent in the device claimed anddisclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate allembodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead.Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to savespace or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may bepracticed with additional components or steps and/or without all of thecomponents or steps that are illustrated. When the same numeral appearsin different drawings, it refers to the same or like components orsteps.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of thehand tool device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotationalhandle.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connectorhousing.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connectorhousing.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotationalhandle.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotationalhandle.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handleassembly.

FIG. 8a is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing a hoe as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 8b is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing a rake as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 8c is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing a shovel as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 8d is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing a spade as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 9a is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing a fork as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 9b is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing an aerator as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 9c is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing a weeder as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 9d is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool deviceshowing a knife as a garden tool portion.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotationalhandle.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotationalhandle.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exploded, air view of the rotationalhandle.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exploded view of the rotational handle.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a close-up view of the pin and sink holemechanism for the rotational handle.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a perspective view of another embodimentof the rotational handle.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of anotherembodiment of the rotational handle.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of front view of another embodiment of therotational handle.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a rotatable handle of the current invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a rotatable handle of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of various embodiments of theinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments ofthe invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without some or all of these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have notbeen described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofembodiments of the invention.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the screen shots, figures, and the detailed descriptionsthereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and notrestrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particularembodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scopeof the invention.

In accordance with the method and apparatus of the invention disclosedherein, the present invention is an improved hand tool for gardeningwherein the rotational handle may be adjusted at least between 15degrees to 125 degrees with a releasable locking mechanism to allow auser to use and perform operations while minimizing the risk of injuryand increasing comfort and productivity. In one embodiment, the rotationhandle can rotate 360 degrees. In another embodiment, the releasablelocking mechanism allows the rotational handle to rotate 45 degrees at atime. In another embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism allows therotational handle to rotate 30 degrees at a time. In another embodiment,the releasable locking mechanism allows the rotational handle to rotate15 degrees at a time. Specifically, the hand tool device provides for arotational handle, which can adjust to the varying needs of the user,which will create less strain on the hand, wrist, and arm. This isbecause functional capabilities of the hands are important for workefficiency. Hands require a certain level of strength and precision,depending on the type of task being performed. The right combination ofstrength and precision in handling the task involves a delicatemanagement of the sensory system of the hand. Therefore, the presentinvention takes into consideration the anatomical and physiologicalcharacteristics of the hand by providing a rotational handle that canadjust to the user's anatomical and physiological needs depending on thetask the user is seeking to accomplish.

In particular, there is a pin with spring on the surface of the malecomponent and sink holes on the inside bottom part of the femalecomponent. This pin with spring and sink holes combination provide theutility hand tool to be adjustable according to the user's grip.However, in order to prevent too much or too little rotation, a lockingmechanism is important. Locking mechanisms are often pivotally connectedto a handle and spring-based to engage in the locking recesses in orderto turn a handle into various operating positions. Locking mechanismsnot only give rotational handles stability, but may also providesecurity, which is very important for safe tool operation.

The ease of using this hand tool enhances power application by creatinga favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the handtool into the ground to allow a user to perform operations with lesseffort. The utility hand tool of the invention disclosed herein isdesigned for people who have different opening angle between their palmand arm, as the difference can vary between 75 to 180 degrees. In fact,the design of the handle itself and the handle relative to the rest ofthe tool can greatly impact the power application of the hand tool.Specifically, the angulation of handles may be necessary for tools tomaintain a straight wrist in order to prevent injury and to improvepower applications. The handle should reflect the axis of the grasp,which is generally 78 degrees from the horizontal, and should beoriented in order that the eventual tool axis is in line with the indexfinger.

Optimum tool angle depends on the posture of the user. The amount oftorque and force that can be exerted also depends on the workingposture. For example, repetitive screw driving should be done on ahorizontal surface above the elbow, and push or pull should be done inthe direction of the forearm, with the handle directly in front of it.Therefore, the ability to change the angle of the hand tool can be ofgreat importance in providing for more torque or force and to minimizeor eliminate injury and discomfort.

Notably, the present invention is suitable for utility hand tools forboth left-handed and right-handed individuals. The preferred hand, alsoknown as the “dominant hand,” is the right hand for about 90% of thepopulation and the percentage appears constant across cultures and forboth sexes. Non-preferred hand tends to have approximately 94% of thegrip strength of the preferred hand. Thus, for a hand tool that isusable in either hand, the ability to rotationally adjust the angle ofthe hand tool allows for the hand tool to adapt to the users' hands whenthey switch hands rather than having the users' hands adapt to the tool.

As an example, when holding a bow saw, many users have found that whentheir hand and grip is at a 90 degree angle as opposed to holding ithorizontally as with regular bow saws, the pushing and pulling of thebow saw is much more effective when the user is able to turn the handleto the 90 degree angle. At the optimal angle and with a better grip, theuser is able to produce a much larger force while placing less stress onthe arm and hand of the user. This angle may be different for everyindividuals, but since the handle can be adjusted, each individual usercan adjust the handle to their optimal angle to prevent injury whilealso improving their productivity.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of thehand tool device 100 of the present invention. The hand tool device 100may comprise a rotational handle 105, a garden tool 110, at least oneconnector 115 with a first end 120 and a second end 125. The garden tool110 may be constructed of an alloy, metal composite, or other strongrigid material. The garden tool 110 may be attached to the connector 115at the first end 120. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to theconnector 115 at the second end 125. The rotational handle 105 mayrotate at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees wherein the rotationalhandle 105 is selectively actuated in response to a rotating action uponthe rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise agrabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105. The axisof the grabbing means 130 may be perpendicular to the axis of theconnector 115. The hand tool device 100 may comprise of semi-permanentor permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other bymeans of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanismthat will maintain the structural integrity of the hand tool device.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 formanipulating the handle and at least one hollow portion 200. The hollowportion 200 may be continuously attached to the grabbing means 130. Thehollow portion 200 may house the connector housing. The rotationalhandle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein theparts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, orbut not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain thestructural integrity of the rotational handle 105.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connector housing300. The connector housing 300 may comprise a first end 305 and a secondend 310. The first end 305 of the connector housing 300 may comprise ofat least one inlet for housing the connector. The second end 310 of theconnector housing 300 may comprise of at least one planar surface 315for alignment with a washer. The connector housing 300 may be connectedto other parts of the rotational handle by means of screwing, pinning,or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain thestructural integrity of the connector housing 300.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connector housing300. The connector housing 300 may comprise a first end 305, a secondend 310, and at least one release mechanism 400. The first end 305 ofthe connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housingthe connector. The second end 310 of the connector housing 300 maycomprise of at least one planar surface 315 for alignment with a washer.The release mechanism 400 allows the connector housing to be connectedto other parts of the rotational handle by means of screwing, pinning,or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain thestructural integrity of the connector housing 300.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 formanipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, and at leastone connector housing 300. The rotational handle 105 may be attached tothe second end 125 of the connector 115. The axis of the grabbing means130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular tothe axis of the connector 115. The hollow portion 200 may becontinuously attached to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200may house the connector housing 300. The connector housing 300 maycomprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of theconnector 115. The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanentor permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other bymeans of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanismthat will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle105.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise at least one hollow portion200 and at least one connector housing 300 with a first end 305 and asecond end 310. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the secondend 125 of the connector 115. The hollow portion 200 of the rotationalhandle 105 may be for housing the connector housing 300 and theconnector 115. The first end 305 of the connector housing 300 maycomprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of theconnector 115. The second end 310 of the connector housing 300 maycomprise of at least one planar surface 315 for alignment with a washer.The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanentparts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means ofscrewing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that willmaintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 105.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle105 assembly. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means130 for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, atleast one connector housing 300 with a first end 305 and a second end310, and at least one washer 700. The rotational handle 105 may beattached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The grabbing means130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be axis of theperpendicular to the axis of the connector 115. The hollow portion 200may be integrated to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 maybe perpendicular to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 mayhouse the connector housing 300, the connector 115, and the washer 700.The first end 305 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at leastone inlet for housing the second end 125 of the connector 115. Thesecond end 310 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least oneplanar surface 315 for alignment with the washer 700. The rotationalhandle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein theparts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, orbut not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain thestructural integrity of the rotational handle 105.

FIGS. 8a-8d are illustrations of a perspective view of a hand tooldevice 100 showing various garden tools 110. The hand tool device 100may comprise a rotational handle 105, a garden tool 110, at least oneconnector 115 with a first end 120 and a second end 125. The garden tool110 may be in the form of, but not limited to, a hoe 800, a rake 805, ashovel 810, or a spade 815. The garden tool 110 may be constructed of analloy, metal composite, or other strong rigid material. The garden tool110 may be attached to the connector 115 at the first end 120. Therotational handle 105 may be attached to the connector 115 at the secondend 125. The rotational handle 105 may rotate at least between 15degrees to 125 degrees wherein the rotational handle 105 may beselectively actuated in response to a rotating action upon therotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbingmeans 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105. The grabbing means130 may be parallel to the connector 115. The hand tool device 100 maycomprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may beconnected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but notlimited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structuralintegrity of the hand tool device 100.

FIGS. 9a-9d are illustrations of a perspective view of a hand tooldevice 100 showing various garden tools 110. The hand tool device 100may comprise a rotational handle 105, a garden tool 110, at least oneconnector 115 with a first end 120 and a second end 125. The garden tool110 may be in the form of, but not limited to, a fork 900, an aerator905, a weeder 910, or a knife 915. The garden tool 110 may beconstructed of an alloy, metal composite, or other strong rigidmaterial. The garden tool 110 may be attached to the connector 115 atthe first end 120. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to theconnector 115 at the second end 125. The rotational handle 105 mayrotate at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees wherein the rotationalhandle 105 may be selectively actuated in response to a rotating actionupon the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise agrabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105. Thegrabbing means 130 may be perpendicular to the connector 115. The handtool device 100 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent partswherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing,pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintainthe structural integrity of the hand tool device 100.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotationalhandle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, and atleast one connector housing 300. The rotational handle 105 may beattached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The grabbing means130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular tothe connector 115. The hollow portion 200 may be continuously attachedto the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 may house theconnector housing 300. The connector housing 300 may comprise of atleast one inlet for housing the second end 125 of the connector 115. Therotational handle 105 rotate about the connector 115 at least between 15degrees to 125 degrees. The rotational handle 105 may comprise ofsemi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected toeach other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, alocking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of therotational handle 105.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotationalhandle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, and atleast one connector housing 300. The rotational handle 105 may beattached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The axis of thegrabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may beperpendicular to the axis of connector 115. The hollow portion 200 maybe continuously attached to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion200 may house the connector housing 300. The connector housing 300 maycomprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of theconnector 115. The rotational handle 105 rotate about the connector 115at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees. The rotational handle 105may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts maybe connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but notlimited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structuralintegrity of the rotational handle 105.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exploded, air view of anotherembodiment of a rotational handle 105 assembly as disclosed herein. Therotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulatingthe handle, at least a pin 1200, a spring 1201, a pin securing hole1202, and multiple sink holes 1203, and at least a washer 700, oneconnector housing 300, and a connector 115. The axis of the grabbingmeans 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may beperpendicular to the axis of the connector 115. The pin 1200 and thespring 1201 is secured to the connector housing 300 through the pinsecuring hole 1202. The pin 1200 and the spring 1201 provide therotational handle 105 with the mechanism to be rotated and adjustedaccording to the need of the user. There are multiple sink holes 1203 onthe grabbing means 130 for providing a locking mechanism using the pin1200 and the sink holes 1203. The pin 1200 is sunk into one of the sinkholes 1203 to lock in the desired angle for the hand tool. The releasemechanism 400 allows the pin 1200 to be disengaged from the sink holes1203, thereby allowing the handle to be rotated to the desired angle.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exploded view of another embodiment ofa rotational handle 105 assembly as disclosed herein. FIG. 13 is similarto FIG. 12 with the exception that FIG. 13 is a regular view of therotational handle assembly and FIG. 12 is a see-through view of therotational handle assembly. As discussed above, the rotational handle105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle, atleast a pin 1200, a spring 1201, and a pin securing hole 1202, multiplesink holes 1203, and at least a washer 700, one connector housing 300,and a connector 115. The axis of the grabbing means 130 for manipulatingthe rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular to the axis of theconnector 115. The pin 1200 and the spring 1201 is secured to theconnector housing 300 through the pin securing hole 1202. The pin 1200and the spring 1201 provide the rotational handle 105 with the mechanismto be rotated and adjusted according to the need of the user. There aremultiple sink holes 1203 on the grabbing means 130 for providing alocking mechanism using the pin 1200 and the sink holes 1203. The pin1200 is sunk into one of the sink holes 1203 to lock in the desiredangle for the hand tool. The release mechanism 400 allows the pin 1200to be disengaged from the sink holes 1203, thereby allowing the handleto be rotated to the desired angle.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a close-up view of the pin 1200 and sinkhole 1203 locking mechanism for that rotational handle assembly. Asshown, the pin 1200, secured in the pin securing hole 1202, is pushed bythe spring 1201 and is decompressed into the sink hole 1203. Bycompressing the spring 1201, the pin 1200 can be released from the sinkhole 1203, allowing the handle to be rotated to the desired angleaccording to the application of the hand tool.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a perspective view of another embodimentof the rotational handle 1500. In this embodiment, the rotational handle1500 comprises a D-shaped grip 1505 for manipulating the handle, atleast one hollow portion 1510, and at least one connector housing 1515.The connector housing 1515 comprises a first end opening 1520, a middleportion 1525, and a second end opening 1530. The hollow portion 1510 iscontinuously attached to the D-shaped grip 1505. The interior of thehollow portion 1510 partially houses at least one rotatable apparatus.The exterior wall of the hollow portion may matingly engage with thefirst end opening 1520 of the connector housing 1515. To provide theuser with a better grab while attaching the D-shaped grip to theconnector housing, several grab tabs 1540 are disposed on the exteriorwall of the connector housing 1515 around the first and second endopenings 1520 and 1530. One end 1535 of the shovel's shaft is disposedthrough the second end opening 1530 and preferably attached to therotatable apparatus disposed inside the connector housing 1515 and thehollow portion 1510. Preferably, the connector housing may be able torotate against the shaft in fifteen degree increments. It is appreciatedthat the second end opening 1530 perimeter is made to fit the perimeterof the shovel's shaft, which is smaller than the inner perimeter of themiddle portion 1525 and the first end opening 1520. The inner perimetersof the middle portion 1525 and first end opening 1520 are made larger toreceive the shaft and the connector and rotatable apparatus. Therotational handle 1500 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent partswherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing,pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintainthe structural integrity of the rotational handle 1500.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of anotherembodiment of the rotational handle. The rotational handle 1600comprises a D-shaped grip 1605 for manipulating the handle, one or moresprings 1610, one or more pins 1615, at least one connector androtatable apparatus 1620, and at least one connector housing 1625, whichhas a first end opening 1624 and a second end opening 1626, which aresimilarly disclosed in previous embodiments. The connector and rotatableapparatus 1620 comprises a first end 1619 and a second end 1622. Thesecond end 1622 is open to receive one end of the shovel's shaft. A ring1621 is disposed on the rim of the second end 1622. The ring 1621 has alarger outer perimeter than that of the second end 1622. The ring'slarger outer perimeter is also larger than the inner perimeter of thesecond end opening 1626 of the connector housing 1625. The first end1619 is sealed in this embodiment. When fully assembled, the end of theshovel's shaft is disposed through the connector housing's second endopening 1626 and the second end's opening of the connector and rotatableapparatus 1620, and fits snugly inside the connector and rotatableapparatus 1620. The exterior circular face of the first end 1619 of theconnector apparatus 1620, the pins 1615, the springs 1610, and theinterior of the hollow portion 1609 of the handle press against eachother in turn. The first end 1619 and the interior of the hollow portion1609 sandwich the pins and springs. To keep the whole assembly fromspringing apart, the D-shaped grip portion of the handle is screwed intothe first end opening 1624 of the connector housing 1625. This isachieved by mating threads, male threads 1608 on the exterior wall ofthe hollow portion 1609 and female threads on the inner perimeter of thefirst end opening 1624 of the connector housing 1625. It is appreciatedthat there are other attachment mechanisms to achieve the same effect,such as tabs and L-shaped gaps in a push-and-turn mechanism.Furthermore, as disclosed above, because the end opening 1626 innerperimeter is smaller than the outer perimeter of the ring 1621, disposedon the rim of the rotatable connector apparatus 1620, the end opening1626 keeps the connector apparatus 1620 within the connector housing1625. It lets the shovel's shaft through but keeps the shaft sittinginside the connector apparatus 1620 from coming loose from the connectorhousing 1625. In this assembly, the shovel's shaft and the handle arekept somewhat rigid along the longitudinal axis because of the springs'force pressure, but are freely rotatable. To avoid undesired rotation,there are multiple sink holes disposed on the exterior circular face ofthe first end 1619 of the connector apparatus 1620 for providing alocking mechanism using the pins 1615. The sink holes are disposed alongthe perimeter of the first end 1619 in such a manner to allow 15 degreeincrement rotation. To rotate the handle against the shaft, the usermust apply a larger rotational force than the friction force created bythe pins, pushed by the springs, pressing against the first end 1619 ofthe connector apparatus 1620. Also, the user's rotational force must beable to push the pins and springs out of their straightened positions sothe pins can move out of the current sink holes to the next sink holes.

FIG. 17 is a front view of another embodiment of the fully assembledrotational handle. As disclosed above, the rotational handle 1700comprises a D-shaped grip 1705 for manipulating the handle, a hollowportion 1710, and a connector housing 1715 that houses the connectorapparatus inside. As disclosed above, the D-shaped grip 1705 and thehollow portion 1710 are continuously attached. The hollow portion 1710,in turn, is screwed into the first end opening of the connector housing1715 to form a unit of a rotational handle of the current invention. Asdisclosed earlier, a connector apparatus is enclosed inside theconnector housing, and, since the connector apparatus holds one end ofthe shovel's shaft, this end of the shaft is also held inside theconnector housing, and, thus, the rotational handle is connected withthe rest of the shovel. FIG. 17 also discloses first and second endopenings, 1714 and 1716, of the connector housing 1715. In thisembodiment, the first and second end openings' perimeters are equal, andslightly larger than that of the shovel's shaft to allow the shaftpassing through the second end opening 1716, and connecting with theconnector apparatus inside. To help a user to have a better grab whileattaching the connector housing 1715 and the D-shaped grip, grab tabs1717 are provided and disposed on the exterior of the connector housing.

FIG. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of the fully assembledrotational handle. FIG. 18 discloses a rotational handle 1800 with theD-shaped grip 1805 is thinner than the connector housing 1810. In thisembodiment, the D-shaped grip is also thinner than the shovel's shaft.

FIG. 19 is a top down view of another embodiment of the rotationalhandle. FIG. 19 discloses a rotational handle 1900 that has a relativelywider D-shaped grip 1905. However, the D-shaped grip is thinner than theconnector housing 1910. The connector housing is disposed symmetricallywith respect to the vertical axis or Z-axis.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions,magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications which are setforth in this specification, including in the claims which follow, areapproximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable rangewhich is consistent with the functions to which they relate and withwhat is customary in the art to which they pertain.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description.While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrativeembodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention iscapable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrativein nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited,one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combinationor conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference ornon-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not beinterpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that thescope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, butby the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appendedhereto.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated orillustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedicationof any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, orequivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recitedin the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garden tool apparatus comprising: a rod havinga first end and a second end; a gardening apparatus connected to saidfirst end of said rod; a rotating handle apparatus connected to saidsecond end of said rod; wherein said rotating hand apparatus iscomprised of: a. a hand gripping apparatus comprising a shaft extendingbetween two arms of a yoke and a lower cylindrical body having a hollowportion and a outer perimeter wherein said lower cylindrical bodyfurther comprises threads along said outer perimeter; b. a rotatableapparatus having a cylindrical outer body with a lower rib along theperimeter of said cylindrical outer body and an inner hollow bodywherein said hallow body is attached to said second end of said rod; c.said rotatable apparatus is further connected to said hollow portion ofsaid hand gripping apparatus, whereby said connector housing is freelyrotational against said hollow portion wherein said hand grippingapparatus rotates along the linear axis of said rod; d. said rotatableapparatus is further comprised an impediment device wherein saidimpediment device impedes rotation of said hollow portion is freelyrotational against said rotatable apparatus, and wherein said impedimentdevice is disabled by applying acute rotation force onto said handgripping apparatus e. wherein said impeding device is comprised of aplurality of circular sink holes radially positioned along thecircumference of a surface within said hollow portion of said handgripping apparatus; f. a plurality of recesses positioned on a surfaceof said rotatable apparatus wherein each of said plurality of recesshouses a metal spring and a stopper wherein said stopper is furtherinserted into one of said plurality of sink holes when said housingconnector is connected to said hollow portion of said hand grippingapparatus thereby impeding the rotation of said hand gripping apparatusagainst said rotatable apparatus unless acute rotational force isapplied onto said hand gripping apparatus; g. a cylindrical sleeveencircling said rod and said rotatable apparatus, and wherein saidsleeve comprise internal threads and wherein said sleeve secures saidrod and said connector housing into said hallow portion of said handgripping apparatus by engaging said threads inside said sleeve to saidthreads along said outer perimeter of said and gripping apparatus. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said gardening apparatus is selectedfrom a group consisting of a rake; a spade; a fork; an aerator; a weederor a knife; a hoe.
 3. A garden tool apparatus comprising: a rod having afirst end and a second end; gardening apparatus connected to said firstend of said rod; a rotating handle apparatus connected to said secondend of said rod; wherein said rotating handle apparatus is comprised of:a. a hand gripping apparatus comprising a shaft extending between twoarms of a yoke and a lower cylindrical body having a hallow portionwherein said lower cylindrical body further comprises an inner rib; b. aconnector housing having a cylindrical outer body with an upper rib anda lower rib along the perimeter of said cylindrical outer body and aninner hallow body wherein said hallow body is attached to said secondend of said rod by a screw; c. wherein said inner rib engages said lowerrib when said connector housing is further connected to said hollowportion of said hand gripping apparatus whereby said connector housingis freely rotational against said hollow portion and wherein said handgripping apparatus rotates along the linear axis of said rod; d. awasher is seated along the perimeter of said connector housing and isfurther seated between said hollow portion and said upper rib of saidconnector housing, e. said connector housing is further comprised of animpediment device wherein said impediment device impedes rotation ofsaid connector housing against said hollow portion wherein saidimpediment device is disabled by applying acute rotation force onto saidhand gripping apparatus f. wherein said hollow portion is furthercomprised of a plurality of circular sink holes radially positionedalong the circumference of a surface within said hollow portion of saidhand gripping apparatus; g. said impediment device comprises a singlerecess positioned on a surface of said housing connector and a metalspring and a stopper wherein said single recess houses a metal springand a stopper wherein said stopper is further inserted into one of saidplurality of sink holes when said housing connector is connected to saidhollow portion of said hand gripping apparatus thereby impedes therotation of said hand gripping apparatus against said connector housingunless acute rotational force is applied onto said hand grippingapparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said washer is selectedfrom a group consisting of steel washer, metal washer, rubber washer,plastic washer, silicon washer.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidgardening apparatus is selected from a group consisting of a rake; aspade; a fork; an aerator; a weeder or a knife; a hoe.